To reveal her true intentions, Charlie declared, “I’ve already mentioned that it’s perfectly fine for all of us to move back into the Wilson family villa. After all, we are family. However, I need to remind everyone that Claire’s studio is already up and running, and thus, she will not be returning to work for the Wilson Group in the future.”

“What?” Lady Wilson exclaimed, her voice echoing as if someone had stepped on her tail. She sprang to her feet, exclaiming, “How can I allow that? I’ve been clear that our family should not only live together, but also work together to ensure the Wilson family’s strength and success. How can you come back to the Wilson family villa yet refuse to work for the Wilson Group?”

Charlie smiled and replied, “Grandma, didn’t you say you wanted us to move back for my father-in-law’s health? I thought your goal was to make it easier for him to recuperate. Therefore, moving back to the villa and Claire’s decision about the Wilson Group are two entirely separate issues. We shouldn’t confuse them, don’t you think?”

“No!” Lady Wilson shot back immediately. “Since your whole family is moving back into the villa, you must return to work for the Wilson Group!”

Next, Lady Wilson tried to persuade Claire once more. “Claire, you’ve just opened your studio, and you don’t have any clients yet. Running a business all on your own will be incredibly challenging. Wouldn’t it be easier and more comfortable for you to close your studio and come back to work for the Wilson Group?”

Claire began to sense something was off about Lady Wilson’s words.

It seemed Charlie was correct. Lady Wilson’s invitation to move back was merely a ploy to pressure her into returning to the Wilson Group! All her concern for Claire’s father was a facade!

If that were true, then Lady Wilson was only acting to manipulate Claire into compliance. Was this all just a performance? Were they merely putting on a show?

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Claire felt a chill run down her spine.

Fortunately, Charlie had acted quickly! If not, she could have easily fallen into Lady Wilson’s trap!

Claire quickly responded, “Grandma, I truly appreciate your invitation for our family to move back into the Wilson family villa. However, Charlie is right; moving back and my decision not to work for the Wilson Group are two separate matters. I must clarify that while my family can return to the villa, I will not be going back to work for the Wilson Group. I want to focus on my studio and my own business.”

Seeing Claire’s determination, Lady Wilson simmered with resentment toward Charlie.

After all her efforts to convince Claire, Charlie had ruined everything for her!

Frustrated, Lady Wilson decided to employ more manipulative tactics. She began to cry, saying, “Claire, do you truly hate your grandma? Now that you’re moving back, why can’t you work for the Wilson Group? I thought we were all striving together for growth and success as a family. Why do you prefer to focus on your own studio instead of helping the Wilson Group thrive?”

After wiping her tears, Lady Wilson continued, “Claire, are you really still unwilling to forgive your grandma?”

Claire responded earnestly, “Grandma, this isn’t about forgiveness. I forgave you a long time ago. However, I’ve come to understand something important. Depending on others isn’t a solution for life. I realize that everything I’ve built can vanish in an instant if it’s not my own business. The best way for me to take control of my life is to start my own business and build my own career. Therefore, I choose to focus on my own endeavors instead of returning to the Wilson Group!”

Jacob and Elaine interjected, attempting to sway Claire. “Claire, why remain so stubborn? Wouldn’t it be better to return to the Wilson Group? Working there would surely be preferable to running your own business!”

Claire firmly replied, “Dad! Mom! This is my personal decision, so please don’t try to convince me otherwise. I’ve made my choice, and I won’t change my mind.”

Lady Wilson realized she was utterly defeated.

If Claire refused to return to the Wilson Group, there would be no point in even trying to persuade Jacob or Elaine.

With frustration boiling inside her, Lady Wilson decided to unleash her final tactic!